How to Clean Jewelry with Precious Stones: Tips to Make Them Last Over Time

Jewelry with natural stones is a smart choice to complete your collection thanks to its timeless elegance. Available in many forms—from diamond earrings or 18 kt gold-plated rings to pearl bracelets and multicolored necklaces—it’s important to know how to care for these precious pieces to preserve their shine.

How to clean diamond jewelry?

Diamonds are known for their brilliance and extreme hardness, which makes them one of the most prized gemstones in fine jewelry. However, it’s necessary to pay special attention to their lipophilicity—that is, their tendency to attract oils and grease easily. This forms a film that reduces light reflection and dulls the stone.

For this reason, it’s essential to care for them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and, whenever needed, ask a professional to check their condition. In general, to clean diamond jewelry at home, you can follow these steps:

1. Remove dust with a soft cloth or a soft-bristle brush.
2. Mix lukewarm water with a little pH-neutral soap in a container. Avoid chlorine or bleach.
3. Make sure the hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly cleaned.
4. Rinse the pieces with lukewarm water and dry them carefully.
5. To keep them in top condition, wipe them with a damp cloth after each use, before storing.

Tips for cleaning pearl jewelry

Pieces with cultured pearls add sophistication to your looks without sacrificing accessibility or versatility. Regardless of origin, it’s important to know the best way to keep them in perfect condition so they last over time.

First, gently clean them with a damp cloth made of cotton or microfiber, or with lukewarm water and neutral soap. Due to their delicacy, you can also do this step with your fingers while paying attention to the most intricate areas.

After carefully rinsing, let them dry on a towel without applying heat. Once the water has evaporated, wipe with a chamois or soft cloth to help remove any residue, enhance their natural luster, and restore their signature iridescent glow.

Pearls also absorb the chemicals present in creams or perfumes, which can dull their shine and alter their color. Therefore, apply cosmetics first and then put the pieces on your skin.

Cleaning jewelry with natural stones

Avoid harsh tools and products when treating these pieces, as they can scratch them. If you’re going to use chemicals, make sure the manufacturer recommends them and, if in doubt, consult a professional. In general, to clean jewelry with natural stones you’ll need:

• Lukewarm water.
• Mild or pH-neutral soap.
• A small container.
• A soft-bristle brush.
• A lint-free cotton or microfiber cloth.

The steps to care for this type of jewelry are:

1. Add lukewarm water to the container, pour in a few drops of soap, and mix well.
2. Soak the pieces for a few minutes to loosen dirt. For extra care, you can use only a damp cloth.
3. For highly porous stones such as opal, turquoise, or malachite, clean only with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
4. Gently brush the stones, the metal, and the rest of the areas. If the gems are delicate, do this step with your fingers.
5. Rinse away soap and residue with clean lukewarm water.
6. Dry thoroughly with the cloth until all moisture is gone. This helps prevent water spots. 

Tips to care for your gemstone jewelry

Beyond frequent cleaning, jewelry with natural stones needs daily maintenance to keep it in good condition. Our basic tips are:

• Store each piece in its protective box when you’re not wearing it, as it’s designed for that specific jewel.
• If you don’t have the original packaging, keep it in a jewelry box—ideally inside a protective pouch.
• Don’t place multiple pieces together to avoid scratches or tangles.
• When traveling, wrap each piece individually to protect it and keep it with you so it isn’t lost or damaged.
• In general, remember that not all gemstones can be treated the same. For example, rubies and sapphires can be cleaned with soap and water, while opals and emeralds should not be submerged or exposed to high temperatures. Amber scratches easily, so it shouldn’t be rubbed with rough cloths or brushes.

In short, keeping these timeless jewels looking like new for longer just takes a bit of daily attention and the occasional extra care. An effort that is, without a doubt, worth it.